Shawn started his ABE Diploma to help him become a stronger candidate on the job market and fast-track to a degree. He also set himself the personal goal of achieving a Top Paper Award. We're delighted to say that Shawn has got a great new job and a Top Paper Award. He is now looking forward to the next stage of his academic journey and developing as an entrepreneur. Here's his story:
"I was born and bred in a small town called St. James in Trinidad. I grew up in an extended family comprising of my mother, aunts and uncles. Being raised in this type of household meant that I had the support in whatever endeavours I took regarding my education. My aunt, Ms. Dian Grant is one of the most influential persons that instilled in me the importance of having an education.
Educationally, after I completed my high school education, I enrolled onto the ABE level 4 programme. After its completion, I took three years off from my studies to gain work experience. However, due to recent changes in the job market, I was eager to start ABE level 5 to further market and qualify myself in the competitive job market.
I am currently employed in the public sector at the National Lotteries Control Board, as an Agent Relations Officer. After completing my ABE qualification, I was offered a new job as an Assistant Manager in the private sector. I studied ABE at Sital College of Tertiary Education Limited, because of its illustrious reputation in Trinidad and the school’s academic administration was very supportive and the lecturers are knowledgeable experts in their respective fields.
ABE is mandatory in order to seek promotional opportunities in both the public and private sector in Trinidad. ABE’s global recognition, flexibility for working professionals and cost-effectiveness allowed me to fast-track my business studies. Its business units are also profoundly coherent with the external business environment which allowed me to further develop my skills in areas such as strategic management, leadership, critical thinking and decision-making.
An important facet that I have learned throughout this journey is that, 'no does not mean never. It means not now.' When I first started ABE level 4, I was always fascinated about achieving a World Prize. Although I received excellent grades, I did not win a Top Paper Award at that time. However, that did not deter me from my ultimate goal. When I entered the ABE Level 5 programme, I reminded myself what my initial goal was. I would read course materials before and after classes which enabled me to further broaden my knowledge in subject areas and apply what I have learned in tandem with ABE’s criteria.
After completing my ABE qualification, my initial goal is to be accepted into the final year top-up programme from the University of Hertfordshire and then complete my MBA from Heriot-Watt University. My long-term career plan is to become an entrepreneur specializing in agri-business, exporting locally-grown fresh produce to restaurants and retailers throughout Trinidad and Tobago."